How to Grow Mild Jalapenos

Jalapenos are at their peak when glossy green, but turn red if left on the plant.

Although jalapeno peppers are typically hotter than other chillies like the anaheim or pimento, you have the option to bring the heat level down by growing a mild variety. Temperate jalapenos give you the ability to enjoy the characteristic flavor of this pepper, without the heat, so you can add them to any dish that requires jalapenos. Use a combination of growing techniques to successfully raise mild jalapeno peppers.

Things You'll Need

• Mild jalapeno transplant
• Sunny, well-drained area
• Plant container (optional)
• Potting mix with pH 5.5 to 6.5 (optional)
• Vegetable fertilizer
• Mulch

Instructions

1. Select transplants for a mild variety of jalapenos to ensure they are not as spicy as other types. Common mild varieties include Texas A&M (TAM) Mild Jalapeno and Numex Primavera.

2. Plant the jalapeno transplants outdoors one to two weeks after the last frost. Select a sunny, well-drained area in your yard, or fill a plant container with potting mix that has a pH level between 5.5 to 6.5. Apply a vegetable fertilizer according to the directions on the label.

3. Water your plants one to two times a week to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Keeping your jalapenos watered well ensures the plants are not stressed. The heat level increases when fruit develops while the plant is stressed.

4. Mulch the soil around the plant with an organic material such as straw or pine needles. Mulching helps retain moisture and prevents weeds.

5. Harvest your jalapenos while they are in the green stage. Jalapenos that turn red at full maturity are known to have hotter flavors.

Tips & Warnings

• A transplant is a plant that is already started and is ready to be sown in your garden or container.

References

• The Texas A&M University System: TAM Mild Jalapeno II Pepper
• New Mexico State University; New Jalapeno Varieties Available; D'Lyn Ford; September 1997
• The University of Arizona: AZ Master Gardener Manual: Peppers
• "The Complete Chile Pepper Book: A Gardener's Guide to Choosing, Growing, Preserving, and Cooking"; Dave DeWitt and Paul W. Bosland; 2009

Resources

• University of Illinois Extension; Peppers; Ron Wolford, et al.
• New Mexico State University: The Chile Pepper Institute
• thechileman.org: Growing Chili Peppers